Feed quality plays a critical role in the success of shrimp farming. High quality feed supports optimal shrimp growth, improves feed efficiency, and helps maintain stable pond water quality. In contrast, poor feed quality can reduce growth performance, increase organic waste, and ultimately lead to higher production costs.
Characteristics of High Quality Feed
High-quality shrimp feed has several key characteristics, including:
- Uniform pellet size to ensure even consumption.
- Low dust content and good floating ability.
- Free from mold and unpleasant odors.
- Dry condition with a maximum moisture content of 10%.
Beyond physical characteristics, feed quality is also determined by its performance in water, which includes:
- Water stability of approximately 2-3 hours to prevent the feed from dissolving too quickly and becoming waste.
- Balanced stability, neither too low which causes the feed to break apart easily, nor too high which may reduce digestibility.
- Good attractability, allowing the feed to be easily detected and consumed by shrimp.
Maintaining feed quality also means preserving its nutritional value, which is highly influenced by storage conditions. Feed should be stored in an area protected from heat and direct sunlight, kept away from moisture or standing water, and safeguarded against contamination from bacteria, fungi, insects, and rodents. Feed should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated room with a recommended temperature range of 20-30°C.
